Art & Design Foundation Diploma

You will develop a portfolio of work that is appropriate to your future progression aims and specialise in one of five broad pathway areas.

• Fine art
• 3D studies
• Fashion and textiles
• Visual communication
• Photography and digital media.

You will then go on to display your work in a major exhibition at the end of the year.

Visits to local and national galleries and museums are planned throughout the course and there are opportunities to go on residential trips. Recent destinations the department has visited have been Madrid, Berlin, Barcelona and New York.

The foundation course is a highly creative diagnostic course designed to help you develop your individuality and aid your progression primarily, but not exclusively, on to Higher Education courses in art and design.

You will be assessed at three main stages throughout the course using project-based assessment, observation of your skills in practice, seminar presentations and group and one-to-one tutorials.

You need to pass each stage of the course in order to progress with the final stage of the course being marked against Level 4 criteria. The mark you get for this final stage will constitute your overall grade for the course, a pass, merit or distinction.

There are a number of essential items needed for this course. A tailored starter pack is available to purchase from the college (this will contain essential equipment). Letters are issued at enrolment which include details of content and costs.
There is an expectation that learners take part in educational visits tailored to their programme of study. The costs for these vary and can be compulsory.

Foundation Diploma - Art & Design - Level 3/4

Foundation in Art and Design or HNC/D course within the Creative Industries sector at Dudley College of Technology.

Students have gone on to study at degree level in subject areas such as Visual Communication, Graphic Design, Illustration, Animation, Fashion Illustration, Automotive Design, Interior Architecture and many other creative pathways at a range of prestigious Universities across the country.

The course is designed to be studies after A levels or an Extended Diploma as it has some units that are set at level 3 and some that are at level 4. You should therefore have already achieved one of the following in order to apply:

1 full A Level or 2 AS Levels in an art-related subject
OR
Extended Diploma in an art-related subject at Level 3.

You will have an interview to which you will need to bring a portfolio of your artwork and be prepared to discuss your aims and ambitions for a career in art or design. Applications from learners who have been out of education for some time are also welcome but you will need to have a portfolio of work that demonstrates your current skills and ability.

Funding may be available to support your learning as an adult (aged 19+) studying at Dudley College. Check out the Financial Support guidance for more information.